If you’re new to the solar world, it’s understandable if you’re a little unsure about where to begin. You’re ready to start harnessing the power of solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure, but there are a lot of possibilities for your solar project. If your goal is to deploy a comprehensive PV solar infrastructure with minimal downtime or delays, chances are you’ll have a difficult time accomplishing all of these simultaneously.
Because solar energy is a blossoming industry, construction and procurement issues are all too common as a project unfolds. What’s the ideal solution then? A solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) consultant can help you manage any aspect of your solar power solution from start to finish.
What Is An EPC?
An EPC contractor handles any or all steps of the solar development process. As a result, EPC services can be leveraged and arranged in any combination.
The possibilities include:
- EPC: With an EPC, you hire one solar contractor to handle every aspect of your solar solution. From system design and development to testing and deployment, all of your solar needs are managed under one contract, so you only have one number to call and one bill to pay.
- E/PC: If you feel comfortable taking a more hands-on approach to your project, an E/PC option allows you to handle the engineering aspect in house. A contractor of your choice then handles the procurement and construction stages.
- EP/C: When you go the EP/C route, you keep the engineering and procurement stages of the project in house. You then hire a contractor to manage construction and installation.
- E/P/C: If you’d rather not hand your project off to one single contractor, you can choose to go the E/P/C route and hire separate contractors for each individual aspect of your project. You hire one contractor for engineering, one for procurement, and one for construction, or you can leave certain stages to your in-house team. While this gives you a more hands-on approach to managing the process, you also have three separate bills to pay and three contact points to manage, thus increasing the chances of miscommunication.
Choosing An EPC
When it comes to a solar project, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing an EPC depends on your in-house resources, hands-on experience, and project goals. Each option comes with its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. But no matter which option you decide on, make sure your EPC partner specializes in whichever role you expect them to fill. Because they do it all day every day, they may move a little faster than you can keep track of.
Find a partner you can trust to provide clarity and transparency at every step of the process. When overseeing the success of your project, communication is critical. Before deciding on an EPC, confirm that they have similar priorities to yours.
Ready to start the conversation about your next solar installation? Contact the experts at Verogy to get started on the path to a brighter future.
